Cadillac Compressor Service Near San Diego, CA

What Does the Compressor Do?

An A/C compressor’s job is to compress the refrigerant and circulate it throughout the system. It’s the heart of your A/C system. It works like this:

• First, the compressor takes cool, low-pressure refrigerant gas.
• Next, gas enters the compressor where the temperature and pressure increase considerably.
• Then, the heated gas moves to the condenser where the heat is lost, and it transforms into an extremely cold high-pressure liquid that removes heat from the cabin.
• Finally, the liquid passes through the expansion valve where it turns back into a low-pressure gas and the cycle continues.

Why is the Compressor Important?

When you drive in extremely hot temperatures, your best source of cool air is your A/C system. If the compressor isn’t up to par, then temperatures in your vehicle can really soar. On average after an hour in the hot summer heat, the temperature in your vehicle can get 43 degrees higher than the temperature outside. After just 90 minutes, this increases to 48 degrees higher. If it is 90 degrees outside it can reach 138 degrees in your parked car, and you’ll want to cool that down quickly when you get into your vehicle. Your A/C does more than just cool the vehicle cabin; it also removes the moisture in the air inside, condensing it and draining it outside the vehicle. This process reduces fog that can obscure your field of vision when you drive in a rainstorm, and it can prevent or aid in frost dissipation in the winter.

How Do I Know If My Compressor Is Bad?

If you have a bad compressor, there are some signs that may alert you to this fact:

• Odd noises and vibrations: Bearings, shafts, and other internal components in the compressor that are worn can cause noises and vibrations that are transferred to the cabin.
• Uneven or insufficient cooling: When you are having compressor issues, it may be incapable of providing proper pressure, flow or coolness to moderate cabin temperature.
• Refrigerant leak: Hissing noises or bubbling when soapy water is applied to the compressor can indicate a refrigerant leak.
• Excessive cycling: Whether the problem is a bad clutch, leak, or internal wear, the compressor may cycle more frequently.
• Unpleasant smell: A chemical, sweet smell may be ushering from your vent or coming from under the hood when the engine is on.
• Fuel consumption increase: This is likely minor, but your vehicle may use more fuel than normal when you run the A/C.